Today's Playlist:
'The Jazz Soul of Porgy & Bess'
arranged and conducted by Bill Potts
Big Band take on the Gershwin Opera. No Vocals.
w/ Harry Edison, Art Framer, Zoot Sims, Bill Evans and others.
With this lineup of players, the playing is of course outstanding. I guess I missed the singing.
Canadian Brass -- Basin street
The songs on this CD should have qualified this CD as one of the best examples of New Orleans Jazz. All the great classic tunes are here. Not Close, no cigar.
World class brass players, but they didn't get the essence of the music. Maybe, what's missing is a rhythm section, or a clarinet. Or maybe they were just missing Louis!
I also have a Christmas CD by these guys. It was a disappointment also.
Joanne Brackeen -- Where Legends Dwell
w/Eddie Gomez and Jack De Johnette
Brackeen plays great piano. All tunes written by her. Eddie Gomez is a monster on Bass. I am not sure if this is her best work. I understand she also has a Maybeck Recital Hall CD. I will love to hear her on that one.
Oscar Brown Jr. -- Sin & Soul
A classic. Everyone has to have this one. Great song writing. Not a weak track. 'Rags and Old Iron' is one of the great songs. Lots of social commentary in the songs. And lots of humor also. Ain't got it? Git it!!
Cheers |
O-10:
Ref 'Trio Tres Bien' -- Nice music. As you said, sort of hard to stop listening once you start. I heard it all the way through.
One thing that sort of spoiled it for me was the packaging. Seems sort of amateurish.
A player should never have his picture on a Jazz Cd sitting at a portable electronic keyboard. Or holding a snare drum. They appear to be a group for local functions, weddings, birtdays etc.....
I could not get this outta my mind as I listened. Took away a little from the music.
But, they can play.
Cheers |
Pnmeyer:
I don't have the 'Awakening' by Jamal. I will have to find a way to listen to bits of it. I do have several of his CDs, that you have just put me in the mood to listen to.
Glad you liked Scott.
Cheers |
Acman3:
Glad you liked the mellow fellows. I listened to 'Town Hall Concert' Today. It's a great CD. A sad reminder of what a great loss Eric Dolphy was.
You are correct about Mingus being on the edge as a composer, but his groups were always very well rehearsed. I could always follow his music. His music never sounds arbitrary or without direction. 'Mingus At Antibes' is my favorite.
Cheers |
Etta Jones, one of my favorite singers, was never married to Houston Person, although they had a very strong musical bond and friendship.
I bought "Don't Go To Strangers" in 66, and it has many personal memories, I still have that LP plus a new one.
Rok, I'm still waiting for your comments on "Soul Brothers/ Soul Meeting" with Ray Charles and Milt Jackson, as well as the Trio Trebien.
Enjoy the music. |
Rok,
My copy of Jimmy Scott's "All the Way" arrived today. Sounds great. I liked it so much, I ordered a couple more of his CDs.
Another recommendation for folks haven't heard it-Ahmad Jamal Trio, "The Awakening" |
Acman3:
I was just kidding about the thread hijack thingy. Just messin' with the Frogman. After all, I am the Last person on this site to complain about hijacking a thread. I used to do it all the time. But only to those that needed to be hijacked. :)
I just pulled out my CD of Mingus' 'Town Hall Concert'. Will listen and give you my thoughts tomorrow. Thanks for mentioning what you are listening to. I am listening to a lot more Jazz since this thread was started.
BTW, did you know Etta Jones was / is married to Houston Person? Person just has to be the most underrated and under known player in all of Jazzdom! I have him on the CD 'Jazz in an R&B Groove, vol 1' One of the most enjoyable Jazz Cds ever!
Cheers |
Rok, No intention of a thread hijack, please look at it as a small supplement.
I have been enjoying your lists. Even ordered and am listening to the Mellow Fellows, on vinyl. Very good indeed.
I stumbled across Etta Jones by way of the great Houston Persons, and agree she is wonderful.
Walter Davis? I need to pick some more of his work up.
Mingus "Town Hall Concert" ; Listen to what Byard is doing to create tension. Mingus as a composer was on the EDGE too! |
Frogman:
Firstly, I was stunned into speechlessness!! The thread has apparently been highjacked by entrepreneurs engaged in the manufacture of silk purses!
Also:
A certain FRAU, has decreed, that weekends will be reserved for listening to 'Hits from the Fatherland'! So I have been jamming to the three B's. Beethoven, Bach and Brahmns. So I am behind in my 'Reviews".
The thingy on Jaco was interesting. I wonder why Jazz of all genres arouses such controversy.
Cheers |
Rok, your silence is deafening ;-) |
Thanks for sharing this track, Acman3.
I like it! |
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Vic is da' man!! One heck of a nice guy, I agree!!!
Learsfool, that must have been great!!
John McLaughlin "Belo Horizonte"
I like all of his stuff, but this is a gem! |
Victor Wooten is indeed an incredible electric bass player - the best I have ever heard, by quite a large margin. His work on all the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones stuff is great, too. Met him once, a very nice guy. Saw the Flecktones live in the early 90's, and Victor was a close friend of a friend. He came and sat in my friend's lap during the middle of the show (who was also a bass player, though mostly a classical one), started laying down a funky bass line in one hand, and then played a Paganini caprice in the other hand above it. Amazing. |
Victor Wooten (Bassist), Album title: "What did he say". John Coltrane rendition of Naima is one of the highlights. |
Check out: Secular Breathing by the Jim Knapp Orchestra. |
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Thanks for the Braxton "warnings" and tips, everyone.
I'll track down "New York, Fall 1974" and give it a whirl, Acman3. Sounds like a good album to start with.
Thanks again. |
It seems the Braxton recording was never released digitally, but only on LP. |
Rknight, Like all music on an edge, not all of Braxton's music is a math equation, or played over your head.
Try Anthony Braxton/ New York, Fall 1974, with Kenny Wheeler on trumpet, Dave Holland on Bass, Jerome Cooper on drums. Some fairly straight ahead compositions, and a couple of streches. Startling dynamics, at least on my 40 year old LP. |
Heard Today:
Etta Jones (vocals) -- Don't go to Strangers
She should be more well known and highly regarded. She can sing with the big girls. Does 'fine & mellow'. Only Billie could do it better.
Andrew Hill (piano) -- But Not Farewell
Plays with a quintet. I like it, better than I used to. Has been on the 'save for later' shelf for years.
Gonzalo Rubalcaba (piano) -- The Blessing
Trio with Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette. Not two of my favorites, but they are a good fit here. Nice version of 'Besame Mucho'. Another Cuban Virtuoso.
Murray Perahia (piano) -- Bach Keyboard Concertos Nos. 3, 5, 6, 7
Not Jazz? Hmmmmmm, maybe. But great Music and I did listen to it today.
Cheers |
While Rok and I disagreed on the sonic qualities of the music in that bargain set, we absolutely did not disagree on the absolute qualities of the music. This music belongs in anyone's jazz collection who considers himself an "aficionado". I have, and I will continue to pay an exorbitant price for this music. If this set meets your sonic requirements, then you have received "manna from heaven". Here is a very small sample from "you tube". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_lv_Q3VPMThat very beautiful lady on the cover is Tammy, and she graces the cover of my LP. Every time I hear this, I feel Tammy's fragrant breeze. Another cut on this same LP is "On Green Dolphin Street". This is the coolest "Green Dolphin Street" on record. I can still feel Tammy's fragrant breeze while I'm listening to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRNzx9d-D-oEnjoy the music. |
Today's Playlist:
Walter Davis Jr.(piano) -- Davis Cup
w/ Jackie McLean / Donald Byrd / Sam Jones / Art Taylor
Straight-Ahead, Hard Bop, Blue Note Session. Some critics say one of the best ever! All tunes written by Davis. Great supporting cast. Very enjoyable record.
Walter Davis Jr. -- In Walked Thelonious
Davis playing solo piano. All of Monk's tunes are here. At least 14 are. Mapleshade Production, so you know the recording is excellent. Think of it as Davis' take on Monk, without all the 'clutter'. No flat piano here!! This man didn't record much, and this is one of his best, along with the one listed above. Get them both. You won't be sorry.
Now, The Piece de Resistance!!!
Rahsaan Roland Kirk -- Blacknuss
He plays everything from Motown, to The Old Rugged cross!! Not a weak, or throw a way, track on the CD.
He is funny, serious, profound, silly and absolutely brilliant, all at the same time! He also sings and plays several instruments at the same time.
This CD is a MUST HAVE!! You know you have to have it, so if you ain't got it, git it!!
I have another one of his I will 'review' tomorrow.
Cheers
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Rknight:
Folks don't wade thru Braxton's mind, they go via 4 wheel drive hummer!! :) Otherwise you might end up like the guys in the old Tarzan movies, up to your neck in quicksand. Good Luck!
Cheers |
Frogman:
"Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive."
I pulled out my copy of Nancy and Cannonball. I listened for what you described. I think I know what you are talking about. I will now go back and compare her to Jimmy. BTW, she didn't sing long enough, before Cannonball and the boys took over the CD. :(
I would have never noticed that on my own. First I would have been too involved staring at the CD cover photo. Then listening to her wonderful voice.
It's good to have a person with your background in the group. Even I, might be able to learn something!
She is one of the few big time singers I have seen / heard in person. Constitution Hall in D.C.
Thanks for the insight.
Cheers. |
I listened to "The Inflated Tear" every day for three months after hearing it for the first time. What an incredible song.
Now I'm wading through the minds of Mr. Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler.
Shepp's "Le Matin des Noire", "Hambone" and Ayler's "Summertime" just blow me away.
I'm trying hard to stay away from Braxton but I feel it coming on.
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Rok, I am impressed. I love Little Jimmy Scott! I will never forget the first time I heard him. A friend came over a few yeards ago and, as we often do, try to stump each other by doing blind-tests to identify players and singers. He played this cut: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SRYJbaxwJ20I wasn't sure, but I guessed Nancy Wilson. Well, it turns out that Jimmy Scott was, by her own admission, Nancy Wilson's biggest influence. He is a beautiful interpreter with wonderful phrasing. The influence on Nancy Wilson is remarkable. Not just in the phrasing, but also the tone and pitch of her voice. Some singers (and players) approach sustained notes either from above the pitch center or from below. Notice how they both approach it from below which gives certain sung notes an ever so slightly flat intonation until they are brought up to the pitch center; gives the singing a subtle tension-and-release quality that is very expressive. Here is Nancy Wilson, possibly my favorite female vocalist (next to Victoria De Los Angeles, but that's a different genre) from one of my very favorite records: http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=0EeWOA1EngkI had the good fortune of hearing Jimmy Scott live about fifteen years ago. Very interesting performer with a very warm demeanor and curiously androgynous appearance. Good call! |
Whether ah is or is not, we gonna git back to da music.
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Thanks for recommendation on Jimmy Scott. After doing a bit of research on his life, I ordered the CD and can't wait to take a listen. |
"Maybe I should join "EAA", that stands for "Extreme Audiophiles Anonymous". After putting such people down, I've discovered that "Maybe I are one"?"
Maybe you is! |
Speaking of 'Nuance', may I recommend the following:
Jimmy Scott (vocals) -- All The Way
Probaly unknown to most on this forum, but he this man is an awesome talent. If you like singing at the highest level try to find a way to listen to this cd. Try to YouTube him if you can. I think The Frogman will love his style.
His voice is almost feminine. I have had this CD for years. Listened to it last night. Great late night singing esp with that special someone. His personal story is a sad one.
Ella Fitzgerald -- For the Love of Ella Fitzgerald
Two Cd set. A tale of two CDs. CD #1 swings the other one is mostly Ballards. I like the swing stuff best. Of course there is no sense trying to describe Ella's performances anymore. Hell, it's Ella. That's all you need to know.
She is backed on one song or another by almost everyone in Jazz. From The Duke, Basie, Louis, Oscar to Nelson Riddle. Her performance of 'Rockin' in Rhythm' with Duke's band is awesome! She scats thru the whole thing. Duke and Band are out of their heads. The brass section in particular. They get 'up there' and stay up there for a while. With Clark Terry , Ray Nance and Cat Anderson on trumpets, what can you expect! Man, I love this stuff!
The ballards are just run of the mill awesome! The woman does anything so effortless!
And please, no comments about flat pianos! :)
BTW, O-10, I received my copy of 'Trio Tres Bien' today. I will report later. I noticed they used the term 'Jazz Aficionado' in the liner notes. You didn't write them did you :)
Cheers
Give Jimmy Scott a listen. And Ella also. I looked on youtube, I saw her doing rockin in rhythm, but not with the Duke.
Cheers |
Maybe I should join "EAA", that stands for "Extreme Audiophiles Anonymous". After putting such people down, I've discovered that "Maybe I are one"?
This is a "jazz" music forum, and the music Rok recommended is some fantastic jazz.
Enjoy the music.
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Rok, on my original post I stated, " I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record." The reason I didn't mention that CD is because I felt it was lacking in "nuance". This CD contains some of the very best jazz in my collection. Since we disagreed on The Three sounds, there is a good possibility we'll disagree on this one as well, and that's why I'm going to reveal this CD. Atlantic Jazz 7 81951-2, Ray Charles & Milt Jackson; Soul Brothers/Soul Meeting, is a 2 disc CD that is as good as it gets. Brother Ray even blows a mean sax. While the music is 5 star jazz, the sonics on this CD are inferior to the LP, which is why I didn't review it. Now I realize that for people who never heard the LP, that might not matter. I give you my favorite tune on the album "Blue Funk" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHold6ylvEMEnjoy the music. |
Gene Harris is my most under appreciated pianist. Since I don't have a good explanation for this, I wont even try; however, I will explain how and why I discovered this.
My friend Rok, recommended some bargain CD's by The Three Sounds, and that's when I discovered how important a pianist Gene Harris is. It's not what he says, but the way that he says it. Each time he strikes a piano key, the way he does it is saying something.
I didn't discover this until I acquired "The Three Sounds" stripped of "nuance". This is such an important word to an audiophile, that I'm going to give you the definition. Nuance: A subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, feeling, or tone; a gradation. A shade or graduation difference in colour, also as in carefully nuanced words.
The very same word can have a multitude of meanings, depending on how it's spoken. "Nuance", in my opinion, is the most important word in the English language to an audiophile.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10:
Are you sure we are talking about the same Cd?
' The Three Sound Eight Classic Albums. Real Gone Jazz. RGJCD285'.
I am listening to it as I type. No way I can hear booming bass! And BTW, CD vs LP, upstairs / downstairs is not a valid comparison test, but even so, the CD should sound OK.
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree about this one.
Cheers.
BTW, you just destoryed my rep as a 'reviewer'. Thanks! |
Rok, I repeated the test. This time I gave the bargain CD all the advantages. The CD was in my listening room and the LP was in the basement. After synchronizing the two, I listened in the basement for awhile before going back to the listening room. This time the results were even worse; it sounded like the bass tone controls (which I don't have) were turned up on the bass, and it was "boomy".
There is a possibility my love, affection and familiarity with this music could give me the ability to detect a deviation that others wouldn't sense.
Enjoy the music.
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O-10:
I found your comments on the Three Sounds to be very interesting.
The first time I played the 8 Classic set I compared it to my only copy of them on Blue Note. I put one of the classic cds in one player and the blue note in another player. Both were playing thru the same amp.
I just toggled between them and decided that the piano on the Classic cd sounded flat, just as you said. I went back and forth until I was sure. Yep, flat.
Then I went to the kitchen for coffee and talked a while with the wife, then came back into the listening room. The two players where still playing. The lights on the amp were defeated, as they always are. I had forgotten which CD player was selected. I sat there looking at two cd players, both on, with the counters counting, but I had no idea which one I was listening to. I had stumbled into a blind test!
So I concentrated as hard as I could. grrr, grrrr, grrr, and decided that the piano was flat, so it must be the classic cd. Wrong! It was the Blue Note Playing thru the SA8001.
What does this prove? Nothing. Just food for thought. I then wrote my 'review'. I stand by it with the following understanding:
My review is for the The Three Sounds only. I would not buy any of the heavyweights, Miles, Coltrane or Rollins etc... But for groups that are not that important to you and ones that you would not normally buy, the classic sets are a good buy. After all, I only had one Cd by the Three Sounds. Much more on LP. As several reviewers have said, their music has a sameness about it. Nice lounge music. I do have a lot of Gene Harris.
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers
I think my brain knew I was listening for FLAT, so it provided FLAT. That happens a lot of this site. I just admit it. When I knew which Cd was playing it was easy. When I didn't know, things got a lot harder. |
Rok, I really appreciate your playlist, it helps me to decide on new CD's.
In regard to those bargains, I suggest you use that music for deciding which CD's to buy. In the case of the 3 sounds, the piano is flat, and the piano is everything in their music. I suggest you chalk that cost off, and buy the original CD if you like the music. In the case of "Moods", I paid $35 for a used LP, and now I see a used CD for $106.96, that lets you know how good the music is on that album.
Enjoy the music.
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Lastest played:
Hank Crawford (alto sax) -- Mr Blues / Mr Blues Plays Lady Soul
If you ever wanted to stroll down Beale street, this is it.
David 'Fathead' Newman, Pepper Adams, Bernard Purdie and others lend support. Party Time music. You'll think you are in a rib joint in Memphis. 'Going down slow' and 'Since you've been gone' my favorites
Crawford Was Ray Charles Band director in the early 60's. Three of Ray's former sax players died in 2009. Crawford and 'fathead' Newman were two of them.
There are three(3) pictures of crawford on the cover, one on the back of the cover, one on the CD surface, one on the inside bottom of the tray and one on the rear of the insert. lest we forget??
Abbey Lincoln (vocal) -- Abbey Is Blue
Her best and one of the best period. 'Afro-Blue' and 'Laugh, Clown, laugh' are standouts among standouts. The recording is difficult to describe. Her voice is center and perfect, but it sounds as if she is in a large room with wooden floors. This is not a bad thing. I thought the band could have been a little more upfront.
Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Dorham, Wynton Kelly, Cedar walton, Philly Joe Jones and Max Roach in support. Truly a great performance. Afro-Blue is worth it all by itself!!
Chano Dominguez (piano) -- Hecho a Mano
This is an attempt to merge Jazz and flamenco. I will leave it to music experts to say to what degree he succeeds. I know, I like it. This is the real deal. Very nice listening, which is what it's all about. Great recording. Great Piano Playing.
Cheers
"I found out as a young musician growing up in Memphis that if you weren't reaching people and having them tap their foot, then there was nothing happening."
Hank Crawford.
I like his attitude! |
Rok, you get what you pay for. I've been flipping back and forth between "Moods" by the three sounds on LP and and CD. I'm not into that CD, LP thing. I'll take a good CD over an LP, it just so happened LP was the only way this was available. The LP projects the emotional impact of the music, this is most noticeable on the piano; it's missing on the CD; however, at this price I'm not complaining.
Enjoy the music.
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"Party With Punte" is my play of the day. Tito has never failed to put the heat on. His name symbolizes hot Latin jazz. No one but the "Dizzy G man" can do it better, and that's the highest praise I can give when it comes to combining jazz with a Latin beat.
Tito puts his personal stamp on two well known jazz classics: "Killer Joe",and "Take Five". The rest of the CD is Tito gone wild; it makes me want to get up and do some fast fancy steps, (I couldn't do fast fancy steps back in the day) that's the way this music affects you.
These are some of the hottest rhythms I've ever heard coming from "El Ray", The Mambo King, and I believe you will agree.
Enjoy the music.
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I have to listen to that "Mellow Fellows" CD. I think Branford's Eternal CD is excellent. It is a mix of original and standard (but less familiar) ballads, with Branford playing both soprano and tenor sax. Dedicated in memory to people in Branford's life, some famous, one a childhood friend. Usual quartet. Absolutely beautiful music. |
I have to listen to that "Mellow Fellows" CD. I think Branford's Eternal CD is excellent. It is a mix of original and standard (but less familiar) ballads, with Branford playing both soprano and tenor sax. Dedicated in memory to people in Branford's life, some famous, one a childhood friend. Usual quartet. Absolutely beautiful music. |
(I assume we all know what MF stands for).
Mellow Fellows?
Cheers |
'Soultrane' is a great CD. I had forgotten how 'normal' Coltrane can sound. Great playing. Maybe Red Garland and Paul Chambers kept order!
I listened to the Ray Charles and Betty Carter CD. I thought it was very good. Esp 'Baby It's Cold Outside' and 'Takes Two To Tango'.
The Choral groups doing the 'sweetening'? Nothing new, ever hear of Bird and Strings? Nat Cole's Christams CD? On that one there were two(2) orchestras and three(3) choral groups to 'help' him. Just ruined one of the greatest Christmas CDs of all time.
Lets not even talk about Gil Evans and Miles Davis. But it is the same thing / mind set! I don't think any of these great artist 'requested' help! "They' always seem to think they can make it Mo' Better. Defend the Music!!
Maybe you are beginning to see my point.
Cheers |
One of my very favorites by two of my favorite singers. If you have never heard Betty Carter in her "earlier" voice, this may be a revelation. Ray Charles; well, what more can be said about his genius. I can probably do without the chorus "sweetening" on a couple of the cuts, but overall, a beautiful record: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Rbkcxiibw |
****I have always thought of Wynton and being more than just a Jazz player****
Very true. He is a formidable force in jazz today; as you said, "the face of jazz". An outspoken embassador for jazz with a dedication to and understanding of the history of jazz that, were he to take part in this discussion, would make all of our comments seem like those of kindergarten students. He is an incredibly talented trumpet player with the kind of meticulousness in his playing that allows him to be a very credible classical player. But, an interesting jazz player none of this necessarily makes; he never really was, but perhaps from the standpoint of sheer virtuosity. His brother Branford is a much more laid-back and relaxed individual who plays much like the way he is as a person. He, also, has recorded some of the classical repertoire, but with less success. I find it an interesting study on personality and how that translates to certain players' musical personality. In a nutshell, I doubt Wynton would EVER title one of is records "Four MF's Playing Tunes" (I assume we all know what MF stands for). |
O-10:
I will try a 'used --very good' rhino colpix set from 'these sellers' on amazon. 15 dollars. She is one artist that I want to have all her best stuff.
Cheers |
Pnmeyer:
Have not listened to 'Soultrane' in years. I will play it now.
Thanks.
Cheers |
